Lighting

jamesmarshall

Guest
First off, I'm new to this site so, Hi everyone.
I am in the process of converting my van and am at the stage where I'm ready to install lighting. I've wired provision for four lights in each corner of the living area, fed from one switch. i intend using LEDs but am unsure of the wattage needed and whether the lights can be dimmed through a dimmer switch. Can ayone help?
Regards
James
 
Led modules designed for 12 volts are probably difficult to dim, depends on how the LEDs are connected. If you try them first on the workbench by putting a simple variable resistor of say 1k ohms in series with a 12 volt batt and see. (try Maplins part no FW00A ) Probably just work at one end of the control.

I prefer the warm white as it's less stressful on the eyes, but some fit the brighter white leds in areas like the bathroom. Get the highest lumens possible (within reason)
 
Thanks, Pete & Phil.
One option I've been considering is four lED lights individually switched. I don't want to be sat with sunglasses on or sat in gloom as I'm at a bit of a loss as to how many lumins is adequate for approximately 9 cubic metres of space.
Jim
 
Probably the easiest way to get the effect you want is to go to a caravan breakers and buy the small lighting units with Halogen bulbs fitted. Ideally, you want the ones with the Halogen fitted into the rear of the light fitting and with a slightly opaque glass cover (to diffuse the glare). Avoid the ones where the Halogen is fitted sideways in the unit. Some of mine are like this and were a bit more tricky to convert.

If you remove the Halogens and replace them with a 10 watt equivalent LED, they should be fine. The 10 W equivalent usually has 6 surface mounted LED's on a round flat disc about 23 mm diameter. Get the ones capable of taking more than 12 volts and you will not need a 12 volt regulator.

If I have remembered the web address correctly, go to www.bedazzled.uk.com and look at the 12 volt LED's on there. It is a good website for the novice to choose which ones are suitable (you need not buy from there if you don't want to). You need G4 replacement LED's for the small fittings.

If you can get hold of some 12 volt fluorescent units, it is possible to replace the tubes with a chain of LED lights as an alternative.

Good luck.
 
Thanks Maingate,

I'll let you all know how I get on

Jim
 
?

Did you know that LED bulbs can fail SHORT CIRCUIT which means every light on that circuit will go out when your main fuse opens?

?

Did you know that LED bulbs can fail and just overheat (but not draw enough power to take your main fuse/trip out) potentially causing smoke/fire?

As copied from 'bedazzled' website, but they uniquely have built in fuses to avoid this. Beware any others!!!
 
Russtic said:
?

Did you know that LED bulbs can fail SHORT CIRCUIT which means every light on that circuit will go out when your main fuse opens?

?

Did you know that LED bulbs can fail and just overheat (but not draw enough power to take your main fuse/trip out) potentially causing smoke/fire?

As copied from 'bedazzled' website, but they uniquely have built in fuses to avoid this. Beware any others!!!
Click to expand...

Now you are frightening me Russtic

Anyone else want to comment on this possible problem?


Jim
 
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